Dial-up Settings: Windows XP

Checking Network Settings: Windows XP

Windows XP

An important part of troubleshooting or setting up a connection to the internet is making sure that you have the correct network settings setup on your computer. The instructions below will help you make sure your settings are accurate.

NOTE: These settings assume that Internet America is the ONLY ISP that your are connecting to. If you dial into another ISP or your work LAN, VPN, or other services, they may require different settings than the ones shown here. If you already have settings in your network configuration to connect, changing them may result in you not being able to connect to these other services.

Begin by opening the Control Panel:

  • Click on the Start Menu, choose All Programs, then choose Control Panel.

Start Menu
Start Menu

Control Panel: Category View

Depending on your preference, the Control Panel will open in Category View (Screen A) or Classic View (Screen B). If you do not see the following screen (Category View), go here.

Control Panel Category View
Screen A: Control Panel Category View

In Category View (Screen A) of the Control Panel, double click on Network and Internet Connections to launch the following screen:

Network and Internet Connections
Network and Internet Connections

Control Panel: Classic View

The following is a screenshot of the Control Panel Classic View.

NOTE: You can easily switch to Category View by clicking the Switch to Category View link in the left margin.
  • Double click on Network Connections.

Control Panel Classic View
Screen B: Control Panel Classic View

From this point forward, the rest of the screens should look the same.

Network Connections

  • In the Network Connections window, double-click on your Internet America icon.

Network Connections
Network Connections

Connect Window

  • In the Connect window, click the Properties button.

Connect Window
Connect Window

Connection Properties

General Tab

  • On the General tab, you can double check the phone number you are dialing, which is listed in the Phone Number box.
  • Click on the Security tab.

General Tab
General Tab

Security Tab

  • Under the Security options section, make sure there is a dot next to Typical.
  • Make sure the Validate my identity as follows drop down list is set to Allow unsecured password.
  • Click on the Networking tab.

Security Tab
Security Tab

Networking Tab

  • Make sure Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked. Then highlight it and click the Properties button.

Networking Tab
Networking Tab

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties

  • Make sure there is a dot next to Obtain an IP address automatically.
  • Make sure there is a dot next to Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  • Click OK, then click OK again. You should now be set to go.

TCP/IP Properties
TCP/IP Properties